Bay of Plenty have signed former Wallaby centre Steve Kefu from Wasps for this season's ITM Cup campaign.

Kefu appeared in six tests for Australia between 2001 and 2003 during his eight-season Super Rugby stint with the Reds. He then headed to Europe where he had three seasons with French club Castres and, most recently, two years with Wasps.

Kefu will fill a void left by the departure of Cory Aporo to North Harbour, Brett Mather to Japan and the retirement of Bay of Plenty stalwart Grant McQuoid.

"With the departure of Brett Mather, we were searching for a midfield player who can pass on his vast knowledge and skills to our younger group of Steamers midfield backs," Bay of Plenty coach Sean Horan said.

"Steve has been a professional rugby player for more than a decade, and has played in the cauldron of Test and Super Rugby along with time in France and England. That type of experience will be invaluable for the entire Steamers team this season."